‘Gay’ penguins become proud parents

– Two male penguins who paired up as a “same-sex couple” have successfully incubated a baby chick and are “doting” on their tiny offspring, an Australian aquarium announced yesterday.

Gentoo penguins Sphen and Magic are happily “taking turns caring for their baby chick”, born on October 19, weighing 91g, said

Sydney

Tish Hannan, Sea Life Sydney Aquarium’s penguin department supervisor.

Sphen and Magic began to build a nest, prompting the aquarium to provide a dummy egg for them to look after and, when they proved up to the task, a real egg.

The pair have bonded, Hannan, said. “They recognise each other’s signature calls and songs. Only bonded penguins will be able to successfully find their partner using their calls when they are separated.”

Unlike many mammal species, male and female penguins take on the same parenting roles and share parental duties 50/50. –